Tokyo University is going to offer a five-year, English-taught degree program.
A Bold New Vision from Japan’s Premier University
The University of Tokyo —Japan’s most prestigious and internationally renowned institution — is launching a groundbreaking academic program that redefines the boundaries of higher education: the UTokyo College of Design, opening in September 2027.
For the first time in over 70 years, UTokyo is offering a September intake for a new five-year, English-taught degree program that blends the liberal arts, sciences, and design thinking into one unified curriculum. This program is designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders and innovators, ready to tackle the world’s most complex challenges with creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of society, technology, and the environment.
If you are an ambitious student looking to study in a world-class academic environment, live in one of the most vibrant cultures on Earth, and be part of a visionary educational experiment, then the UTokyo College of Design is your next destination.
What is the UTokyo College of Design?
The College of Design is not an ordinary design school. It redefines what it means to "design"—not just products or buildings, but entire systems, communities, technologies, and ways of thinking. Rooted in a transdisciplinary philosophy, the program encourages students to draw from across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences to explore how design can help solve real-world problems.
This new program is designed as a 5-year integrated curriculum:
Years 1–4: Undergraduate coursework leading to a Bachelor’s Degree
Year 5: Graduate-level study culminating in a Master’s Degree
From the very first year, students will engage in project-based learning, critical inquiry, and global collaboration. With English as the language of instruction, and a diverse cohort drawn from around the world, this program fosters not just academic excellence—but intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
Why “Design”?
In this program, “design” is not limited to visual or product design. It is understood in its broadest, most impactful sense: the design of systems, societies, technologies, cities, and ideas. In a rapidly changing world marked by environmental crises, digital transformation, demographic shifts, and geopolitical instability, the ability to design for complexity is more valuable than ever.
This program encourages students to think like systems architects, to ask bold questions, and to work across boundaries—whether disciplinary, cultural, or linguistic.
Key Features of the Program
1. English-Taught Curriculum
All the classes are conducted in English, making the program accessible to students from around the globe. Whether your native language is English or not, UTokyo offers robust support services to help all students thrive in their studies.
2. Global and Diverse Community
100 students will be admitted each year. You will study alongside peers from across continents—North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. The diversity of perspectives is a central strength of the program.
3. Residential Life: A Community from Day One
In your first year, all students will participate in a mandatory residential college experience, living together in university-provided housing. This immersive environment is designed to build a strong sense of community, encourage cross-cultural exchange, and support collaborative learning from the very beginning of the program.
4. Tokyo as Your Campus
Studying in Tokyo means immersion in one of the world’s most dynamic urban centers, where tradition meets innovation. Whether you’re exploring Shinto temples, cutting-edge robotics labs, or the Tokyo Design Week, the city becomes an extension of your education.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students who:
- Are curious, creative, and critical thinkers
- Thrive in multicultural, interdisciplinary environments
- Want to tackle real-world problems through innovation and collaboration
- Are interested in combining science, technology, design, and the humanities
- Aspire to lead change, whether as a researcher, entrepreneur, policy maker, or social innovator
Whether your passion lies in urban sustainability, human-centered AI, climate action, or digital governance, this program will give you the tools and networks to make a meaningful impact.
Admission Requirements (Tentative)
As this is a new program, final admissions details will be published in 2026. However, the expected criteria include:
- Completion of high school (or equivalent)
- English language proficiency (T.B.N. on the University's web site site)
Applications are scheduled to begin in fall 2026.
